Major in Sociology (BA/BS)
- Sociology is the systematic study of human society and social interaction. Sociologists study the effects of groups upon individuals, interactions among groups and organizations, and cultural beliefs that direct human behavior within a local and global context. Sociological research involves collecting information about social processes, which is used to test and develop sociological theories.
Through their course work, sociology majors develop practical skills in writing, analytical and critical thinking, problem solving, data analysis, and research methods, which are valued and sought after in the job market. In addition to these skills, a degree in sociology provides students with the ability to consider social issues within the context of society as a whole and in relation to complex social systems. Ultimately students leave with the knowledge and skill to influence change in the world.
Sociology majors find employment in business, non-profit, human resources, and government organizations. Many students pursue advanced degrees in sociology while others find themselves well prepared for graduate study in urban planning, institutional research, social work, non-profit management, counseling, law, and business.
Students may receive either a bachelor of arts or a bachelor of science degree in sociology. Both degrees require completion of 16 credits of core classes that provide the foundation for the study of sociology. The remaining 21 credits come from elective courses, and students can choose from one of three majors:
- Major in Sociology: This major enables students to choose electives based on their own interests.
- Major in Sociology: Concentration in Diversity: This major prepares students to better understand social inequality and diversity in the areas of race/ethnicity, gender, sexuality, and religion. Students will take directed courses in these areas.
- Major in Sociology: Concentration in Health and Populations: This major prepares students to understand issues related to health and population changes. Students will take directed courses in health, aging and the life course, and population dynamics.
37 credits
Core requirements, 16 credits
| SOC 100 | Principles of Sociology | 3 |
| SOC 200 | Sociological Thinking | 1 |
| SOC 380 | Sociological Research Methods | 3 |
| SOC 382 | Applied Social Statistics | 3 |
| SOC 402 | Sociological Theory | 3 |
| SOC 492 | Capstone Course in Sociology | 3 |
| 21 credits of electives in SOC (at least 12 credits must be at the 300-400 level) | 21 |
Students must earn a grade of C or better in SOC 100, SOC 200, SOC 380, SOC 382, SOC 402, SOC 492 for the course to count toward major requirements. These courses cannot be used in the electives category for the major or concentration.
Concentration: Diversity, 37 credits
Core requirements, 16 credits
Additional requirements
3 credits from
| SOC 227 | Spirituality, Self, and Society | 3 |
| SOC 427 | Sociology of Religions | 3 |
3 credits from
| SOC 221 | Introduction to Race and Ethnic Relations | 3 |
| SOC 421 | Racial and Cultural Minorities in the United States | 3 |
3 credits from
9 credits of electives in SOC (at least 12 credits from directed electives and electives must be at the 300-400 level)
Concentration: Health and Populations, 37 credits
Core requirements, 16 credits
Additional requirements
| SOC 341 | Sociology of Health and Illness | 3 |
9 credits from
| SOC 431 | Aging and the Life Course | 3 |
| SOC 433 | Sociology of Mental Health | 3 |
| SOC 434 | Sociology of Human Sexuality | 3 |
| SOC 470 | Population Dynamics and Demographic Methods | 3 |
9 credits of electives in SOC (at least 12 credits from directed electives and electives must be at the 300-400 level)